Measuring brain signals during risky decision-making

Direct sub-second measurement of neuromodulator signaling during risky decision-making

['FUNDING_R01'] · VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV · NIH-10814139

This study is looking at how certain brain chemicals, like dopamine and serotonin, affect the choices we make when we're faced with risky situations, especially for people dealing with anxiety and depression, to help us better understand how these conditions work.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorVIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BLACKSBURG, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10814139 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how specific brain chemicals, particularly dopamine and serotonin, influence decision-making in situations involving risk. By using advanced techniques to measure these chemicals in real-time, the study aims to understand how abnormalities in these signals relate to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Patients may be monitored while making decisions to see how their brain responds to different levels of risk, providing insights into the neurobiology of their conditions. The approach combines machine learning with cutting-edge neurochemical measurement to gain a deeper understanding of mental health disorders.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with anxiety disorders or other psychiatric conditions who are interested in understanding their decision-making processes.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have any psychiatric disorders or those who are not currently experiencing decision-making difficulties may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for anxiety and other mental health disorders by providing insights into how brain chemistry affects decision-making.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been indirect evidence regarding the role of brain chemicals in decision-making, this research represents a novel approach with direct measurements that have not been extensively tested in humans.

Where this research is happening

BLACKSBURG, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Anxiety Disorders, Mental health disorders, Psychiatric Disease, Psychiatric Disorder, psychological disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.